G. Bradbury glad to be back
When center Garrett Bradbury assessed his possible future teams before re-signing with the Vikings last month, he said "Minnesota had it all" in terms of the coaches, playbook and locker room he sought.
Bradbury, the 2019 first-round pick with 60 starts (including three in the playoffs) in four seasons, didn't need much time to think when the Vikings' offer arrived. He officially agreed to terms a day before his contract was set to expire.
"Got the offer and was like, 'Let's do it, let's run it back,'" Bradbury said Monday as players reported to TCO Performance Center in Eagan for offseason workouts. "It's cool to see the excitement from the teammates and coaches when it happened, and seeing them all congratulating me. It's been good."
Bradbury is only guaranteed to run it back this season; his three-year deal is worth up to $15.75 million, but only his 2023 compensation — over $5 million — is guaranteed.
He said he's grateful for a fifth season with right tackle Brian O'Neill, whom Bradbury said he spoke with during his free agency process. Bradbury also trained with fellow Vikings linemen Ezra Cleveland and Blake Brandel in Arizona this offseason.
"I don't think you really feel it until you come back into the building and you're like, 'There's a chance I wasn't here,'" Bradbury said. "These guys were all going to be starting and I wasn't going to be here. It just reassures you made the right decision."
Bradbury said he's a "full participant" after missing five games because of a back injury at the end of last season.
He noted the team is returning 11 of 12 offensive linemen. Bradbury was one of three blockers to re-sign, including Austin Schlottmann and Oli Udoh. Reserve guard Kyle Hinton signed with the Falcons.
"It's as close of a position group as I've been around," Bradbury said, "and I think guys in other positions on this team would tell you that. It's good to have that continuity.
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-notebook-garrett-bradbury-kj-osborn-joejuan-williams/600267783/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
I'm cautiously hoping for something more than just continuity. Hopefully, there will be continued improvement from Bradbury - I thought he was better last season than his previous years. Maybe he will be similarly motivated since only one year of his contract is guaranteed.
He's glad to be employed. And Kwesi's glad to have signed him for an annual average of less than half of what his 5th year option would have been.
He said some pretty interesting things about Cousins in a separate (?) interview.
The offensive line really likes Cousins....hell, I think the whole team does. They respect his nerdiness, because what he is beneath that is a hard worker that truly wants to give it his best. He prepares like a professional. He's a leader. He's also tough: when's the last time he's injured? Those things matter to the guys bumping uglies all day.
@"StickyBun" said: The offensive line really likes Cousins....hell, I think the whole team does. They respect his nerdiness, because what he is beneath that is a hard worker that truly wants to give it his best. He prepares like a professional. He's a leader. He's also tough: when's the last time he's injured? Those things matter to the guys bumping uglies all day.
@"MaroonBells" said:lol, I do actually! But I think I'm looking for a term close to that, but not exactly that.....lmao. Hilarious.@"StickyBun" said: The offensive line really likes Cousins....hell, I think the whole team does. They respect his nerdiness, because what he is beneath that is a hard worker that truly wants to give it his best. He prepares like a professional. He's a leader. He's also tough: when's the last time he's injured? Those things matter to the guys bumping uglies all day.p.s. I remembered: Big Uglies! Keith Jackson said it years ago. But I'm not going to edit, lol.
@"dadevike" said: I'm cautiously hoping for something more than just continuity. Hopefully, there will be continued improvement from Bradbury - I thought he was better last season than his previous years. Maybe he will be similarly motivated since only one year of his contract is guaranteed.Was thinking the same thing. The continuity is great. Time to see results.
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